The latest news and information regarding St. Louis car accidents. Car accident attorney Christopher Hoffmann provides useful tips on what to do if you are involved a Missouri auto accident and how you can work to prevent such accidents from happening.

06/05/2017

How to drive around a roundabout safely

Have you ever driven around a roundabout? While many people haven't, they are becoming more common in many cities. It is therefore important to know what a roundabout is, and how to drive around one correctly and safely. They can be a little complicated if you haven't come across one before. If you do a lot of driving, it's likely you'll be faced with getting around a roundabout sooner or later. Being aware of how to drive around a roundabout could prevent you from making any mistakes that could cause an accident. According to our St Louis car crash lawyer, accidents on roundabouts are common, in part, because people do not understand how to drive around them in the correct manner. In this post, we will offer some tips on navigating roundabouts safely.

What is a roundabout?

A roundabout is a type of traffic intersection. There is a central island, circular in shape and all traffic moves in the same direction around this island. Traffic then exits on one of several roads leading away from the central island. A roundabout keeps traffic flowing as there are no signals and traffic doesn't stop for long, if at all, before proceeding onto the roundabout itself.

Some roundabouts only have one lane, but it's more common to have two or more lanes.

Using a roundabout correctly

As you approach the roundabout you'll see a yield sign and dashed lines. You should slow down, and assess the situation ahead. You may need to stop entirely at this point. Remember to look out for cyclists and pedestrians too.

In advance of the roundabout, ensure you are in the right lane. You will need to pick a particular lane for the exit you will be taking so pay attention to signs and road markings on your approach to the roundabout.

Wait for a gap in the traffic in your lane before entering the roundabout. Only enter a roundabout when you are sure it is safe to do so. Always proceed slowly around a roundabout and never stop. If you miss your exit, simply complete another circuit of the roundabout until you reach your exit again.

When exiting a roundabout, stay in your lane. If you do need to change lanes, ensure traffic is clear and it is safe to do so.

If there is a roundabout in your area, why not go out of your way to drive around it. Even if you come off the roundabout the same way you went onto it, it's a good experience that will reassure you that you now understand how to use a roundabout and there will be no need to worry the next time you come across one.

If you have been in a roundabout accident, you should contact a St. Louis accident lawyer and discuss your rights. Call (314) 361-4242 for a free consultation.

05/12/2017

When you are driving on the road, you likely make the assumption that since having car insurance is the law, everyone is carrying it. You would be greatly mistaken. There are times when people take to the road without the proper insurance to cover themselves and others if an accident happens.

Being fully insured isn’t about just having the mandatory minimum insurance. The mandatory minimum in Missouri means that you have to have a policy that will cover any bodily or property damage to another driver, which is called liability insurance. If the a car accident occurs and the driver at fault isn’t carrying the proper insurance, you could be left vulnerable with no recourse.

To be fully insured, it is may be a good idea to talk to your insurance carrier to find out what additional coverage you can add to cover you in extenuating, but potential, accidents. Uninsured and underinsured coverage is something that you might want to add to your policy to make sure you are protected. Just a little extra cost will make sure that if you are hit by someone who doesn’t have the proper insurance, you can still recover your damages.

Uninsured motorist coverage will take over if a motorist isn’t insured when they hit you. Underinsured motorist coverage is an additional policy that will cover you if your damage goes beyond the maximum of the other driver’s policy.

Even if a driver has the mandatory minimum coverage as determined by the state, there is still the possibility that your costs could far outweigh what their maximum is. You only have one recourse if that happens, to engage in a personal injury suit to recover.

That is why taking out both underinsured and uninsured policies are a great way to protect yourself in any situation. They are an important tool to make sure that you have more than the bare minimum, and that if something major goes wrong, you have the insurance to cover yourself.

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you might have other options. It is imperative that you consult a St. Louis car accident attorney to help you navigate the legal process and to recover for your loss damages and injuries.

04/25/2017

When you're looking to buy a new car there's a lot to take into consideration. Style, comfort, engine size and the size of the car will likely all play a part in your decision. However, while you may be deliberating over graphite grey or midnight blue, you should not fail to think about safety.

We tend to forget about just how dangerous traveling by car is when we do it all the time. However, many people die or are severely injured in car wrecks every day on US highways. Choosing a car that has a good safety rating could be one of the best decisions you'll ever make. Picking one that doesn't score well on safety could be something you end up deeply regretting.

In this post, our St Louis car injury lawyer will share a list of SUVs that are considered by many to be the safest. While this list may prove to be a useful guide, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of doing your own additional research in determining what SUV is best for you and your family.

The Honda CR-V is considered by family to be a great choice. This has a five star NHTSA rating and rated by the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick Plus. It has automatic pre-collision braking, a camera that shows you the passenger side blind spot and a rear view camera. It also benefits from lane keep assist.

Next we have the Hyundai Tucson. This also has a five star NHTSA rating and the prized IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus rating. This car also has automatic pre-collision braking and you'll get a rear view camera as standard. There's also rear cross traffic alerts, lane departure warnings and pedestrian detection.

The Buick Encore is another great choice for safety. Another five stars from the NHTSA. It also performs well in crash tests. It has a rear view camera, it monitors your blind spot and you can also opt for forward collision warning. Rear cross traffic alert and lane departure warnings are standard.

The Chevrolet Trax is fitted with a rear view camera as standard. It also scores well in crash tests.

The Acura RDX also has a rear view camera fitted as standard. All models produced from 2016 have extra safety features so look out for these more recent versions. They come with automatic pre-collision braking as well as lane keep assist.

Volvos have always had a good safety record so you can't go wrong with the Volvo XC60. This also has a five star NHTSA rating and the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus rating. You can choose a variety of extra safety features including cyclist detection, pedestrian detection, automatic pre-collision braking, rear view camera, blind spot monitoring, drowsiness monitoring, and lane departure warnings.

Choose an Acura MDX made in 2016 or later and you'll have some great new safety features such as road departure prevention, and automatic braking when a pedestrian is detected.

Finally we have the Kia Sorento. This has a 360 degree camera system and several other important safety features.

Injured in a St. Louis car accident? Contact an experienced St. Louis car wreck lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. to learn more about your rights. Call (314) 361-4242 for a free case evaluation.

03/28/2017

Driving is a task that requires constant attention and one should never try to multitask while driving as there is no room for error. One mistake can put lives at risk. In this post, our law firm's St. Louis car accident lawyer will discuss distracted driving accidents, and will share some tips on proving distracted driving as a cause of car accident.

Distracted driving

Distracted driving can be caused by a number of activities like chatting, texting, and eating. Distracted driving involving use of smartphones while driving is one of the top reasons for auto accidents. It contributes to about eighty percent of accidents on roads.

These accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries and fatalities among drivers, passengers, other motorists on the road, as well as innocent pedestrians.

The consequences of distracted driving are known to all, however, negligent drivers still indulge in it causing serious accidents, injuries, damages and fatalities. How does one then determine the cause of an accident as negligent distracted driving in order to establish fault?

Proving distracted diving

When it comes to claiming compensation for damages and injuries, and determining fault, it is essential to know and investigate if the accident was caused by distracted driving, or due to another reason. The following are some pointers that accident victim can use to investigate cause as distracted driving.

Checking call records

During investigation, the accident victim should request that the phone records of the other party be looked at. Check for calls or texts sent that coincide with exact time of the accident. This will enable one to determine if the alleged party was distracted by the use of a cell phone.

Eyewitness testimony

Eyewitnesses like pedestrians, drivers in adjacent lanes and even passengers in the other driver’s vehicle can give accounts and help in identifying distracted driving. It is essential to get information and personal details of these eyewitnesses so that they can be contacted again. However, it is most important to get their statements as soon as possible, while the details of the accidents are still fresh in their minds.

Hire accident reconstruction experts

Accident reconstruction experts investigate the scene of the accident. They try to reconstruct the accidents by observing skid marks and other physical evidences and draw conclusions about speed and the driver’s reaction time to determine fault.

Check the surrounding areas for video cameras

Many locations, shops, buildings, traffic signals, junctions and intersection points have video cameras and CCTV surveillance installed for security reasons. The footage in the video cameras in the surrounding areas where the accident has occurred can provide clues and relevant evidence.

Driver admission

Often during investigation and interrogation, the driver involved can admit to using a phone or a hand held device while driving. This admission is called ‘admission of a party opponent’ and can be used in court to prove distracted driving.

Hiring legal help

It is extremely essential to determine fault and prove distracted driving as soon as possible. When it comes to on-road car accidents, time is of the essence, and therefore, accident victims should seek legal assistance from a qualified, experienced and trained car crash attorneyas soon as possible.

02/21/2017

If your car is hit by any vehicle, and the other driver and his/her insurer deny responsibility for the crash, you may be able to use the location of the damage on each of the vehicles to prove fault. In this post, our St. Louis car crash lawyers will describe some crash scenarios in which location of damage can be used to determine liability.

Scenario 1: You are driving along straight when someone pulled out of a parking lot or a driveway on your right and T-boned you. In this case, you should check the location of damage. If the driver has hit your car on the passenger side, it may provide clear evidence that the other driver was not paying enough attention to the road, and pulled out of the parking lot or driveway without looking.

There are other possibilities as well. If the other driver pulled out right before you reached them, and caused you to hit his/her car such that the damage is on your car’s front and the other car’s side, there is evidence against you. It is also possible that the other driver pulled out in front of your car so fast that you could not stop on time and the collision occurred. In this case, the other driver may also contend that he/she was waiting for the traffic to clear, and you were not paying attention, and crashed into his/her car.

Scenario 2: Imagine you are driving down the road and another driver makes a left turn in front of you. In this situation, most drivers will try to swerve to the right in order to avoid the vehicle cutting in front of you. If there is damage to the left front side or left front corner of your vehicle, it can mean that you tried to avoid the crash by swerving. If the other car has damage to the right front corner, is could mean that he/she was not paying attention and cut in front of you. However, if the damage to the other car is to the rear right corner, it could mean that you were the one who was not paying attention.

Scenario 3: When someone runs a red light, the driver will most likely hit the other vehicle broadside, because the other driver was crossing the intersection with a green light when the negligent driver ran the red light. In this case, the damage will occur to the front side of the negligent driver’s car and to the rear of the other driver’s vehicle.

If you have been in an accident, it is important that you take photographs of the accident scene as well as that of the vehicle damage. This evidence will prove useful when determining fault and making a claim for compensation. A St. Louis car accident lawyer can help protect your rights by proving your accident was the result of another driver's negligence and get you the compensation you are entitled to under Missouri law. Call (314) 361-4242 today for a free case evaluation.

01/30/2017

Technology makes our lives more efficient and safer. In terms of auto safety, features such as lane detection, automatic parking, and auto braking has made driving much safer and enhanced the overall driving experience. However, this is not the end of innovation, there are some more technologies in the design or production phase that are about to reach the markets.

Enhanced gesture control

With smartphones and laptops, the technology of using gestures has evolved greatly. The same technology is poised to enter automobiles as well. The new Multi Media Interface Systems will allow drivers to use fingers to write on the touchpad, and make quicker and efficient selections compared to writing on a touchpad.

Augmented Reality Heads up Display

Augmented reality systems have already made their way into our smartphones, and this technology will likely soon be available on our windshields.

Driver Assistance Systems

We are now slowly moving towards self-driving technology. While not every car will be able to drive itself in the future, we are getting closer to that point. For example, cutting edge driver assistance systems will use radars to create a circumference around the car that will sense accidents before they occur and will coordinate with other brakes to avoid them.

Communication with Other Vehicles

This technology will utilize advanced Wi-Fi to transmit their speed and location to avoid accidents and other hazards. This will help transmit traffic information that will ensure smooth traffic flow and less congestion on roads.

360 driver vision

Today, rear view cameras have become a necessity in most vehicles. However, this technology is poised to go a step further, and expand to a 360 degree view, which means, there will be no blind spots.

Wireless charging of smart devices

Although this is not really a safety feature, it deserves a mention. Many cars already come equipped with Wi-Fi hot spots, but auto manufacturing companies are now designing technology that can charge smart devices simply by entering the vehicle.

Night vision for pedestrian detection

Night vision systems already exist in the market, but are far too expensive. However, in the future, these night vision systems will likely enter the mainstream and become more affordable. The technology will enable drivers to detect oncoming pedestrians and animals in the dark. This feature will be particularly useful for drivers living in areas with thick wildlife.

Adaptive cruising

This latest feature will adjust the cruising speed to match the speed to the vehicle ahead of you. It is likely that the technology will evolve enough to work just as effectively in stop and go traffic.

Our St. Louis car crash lawyers believes that these advanced technologies can potentially help eliminate many of the car accidents occurring so frequently on our roads.

If you or someone close to you has been injured a car wreck caused by another driver’s negligence, get in touch with a competent St. Louis car wreck lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. to learn more about your rights.

12/22/2016

Can I recover income loss and loss of earning potential after a car accident?

If you have been injured in a car accident in Missouri, you may have determined what your vehicle was worth, whether or not it can repaired, and what the costs will be. You may have also assessed your physical injuries and have an idea of how long it is going to take to recover, what treatment you will need, and around how much will it cost. However, like most other car accident victims, you may still be wondering what your lost wages and even the future earning capacity are worth to the other party’s insurer.

If your injuries prevent you from working during the recovery period or if they keep you from returning to your previous job, you should understand how your wage and earning potential loss are valued and compensated.

Present wage loss

If you are unable to work for a certain period of time due to medical restrictions, hospitalization, or rehabilitation after a car accident, you have immediate wage loss to struggle with. If you are able to provide evidence of the missed work days, the cause of the time off work and usual weekly wages, these losses can be compensated by the responsible driver’s insurance company.

In most cases, simple evidence such as recent tax forms, proof of income from employer, and check stubs can be enough. However, if you are independent contractor or a business owner, wage loss is often hard to prove. In this case, you may use your taxes or seek help from your lawyer to estimate your income.

Loss of income and earning capacity

A car accident victim can seek compensation for lost wages and loss of future earning capacity as well. A victim can also seek compensation if the injuries resulted in long term disability or they prevent you from returning to your previous job. This happens more commonly in cases where the employer required the victim to perform physical activities that they are now unable to resume after an accident. However, it is often difficult to prove these loss and may require evidence from doctors and other experts.

How can a St. Louis car wreck lawyer help?

A St. Louis car injury lawyer can make it easy to prove the losses and establish liability. This is particularly true when the victim wants to recover compensation for wage loss and loss of future income potential after a car crash. Oftentimes, the insurance companies try to deny liability or decrease the value of the claim. Getting them to pay for lost wages, and especially loss of income potential, can be even more difficult. This is where the experience of a competent and experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference. An experienced lawyer can ensure that your present and future losses are taken into consideration while pursuing your claim for full compensation.

To speak with a car accident lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. in St. Louis, MO call (314) 361-4242 and schedule a free consultation.

12/01/2016

In construction zones, it is often observed that while one lane of cars waits patiently in line to pass through the construction area, some vehicles speed from either the open lane or the closed lane and reach the front of the lane to reach the merging point. This process is known as ‘zipper merging’. In this post, our St. Louis car wreck lawyer will discuss the pros and cons of zipper merging.

The pros and cons of zipper merging

Zipper merging is a concept that has been met by a divided response. While zipper merging is considered as a hindrance and a danger by many drivers, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), it may prove to be a more efficient way to merge at construction zones. The FHWA says that it enables maximum use of available road space and keeps the traffic moving.

Pros

The concept of zipper merging, according to FHWA, has many positives –

According to studies conducted by the FHWA, zipper merging can increase the flow of traffic in a construction zone by 15 percent. Moreover, it reduces waiting time at construction zones by 50% by creating two lanes.

Zipper merging may reduce incidents of road rage. Waiting at construction zones can be extremely frustrating. This frustration can boil over into road rage causing motorists to engage in rash behavior they would otherwise not. Zipper merging makes use of both lanes reducing wait time, therefore reducing instances of road rage that could occur due to long wait times.

Construction zone merge signs are usually put up much before the actual location of the construction zone merge. Often, heavy congestion can cause traffic waiting lines that extend well beyond these signs where incoming speeding vehicles are unable to read these signs and can cause an accident. Zipper merging reduces congestion and therefore enabling incoming vehicles to read these signs and reduce speed, avoiding rear end collisions.

Cons

Despite the positives, zipper merging presents certain cons as well. While the concept was developed to address traffic related problems at congested construction zones, the same cannot be true in places where there is no congestion.

The zipper merge is not always safe. In less congested zones or low traffic areas, where motorists tend to speed, zipper merging can prove to be dangerous. A split second of misjudgment and a zipper merging car can crash into other waiting cars or the barricades.

Most drivers are taught to merge early at construction zones and the concept of late zipper merging is new. Therefore many motorists are inexperienced and need to learn how to zipper merge. Zipper merging, requires more focus and attention and not many are adept at doing it.

Zipper merging is often frowned upon by other motorists waiting for their turn. In such cases a driver may tend to incite frustration among other drivers causing tempers to fly.

While zipper merging has been implemented in many states, it is still a new concept that motorists still need to get acclimatized to. If you have been involved in a merging accident, our personal injury attorneys can help you receive compensation from the party at-fault. Call (314) 361-4242 today to schedule a free case evaluation.

10/24/2016

A pelvic fracture is one of the most serious injuries that a person can sustain in a high impact collision. Studies have shown that as many as 25 percent of the people killed in car crashes sustained some level of pelvic fracture. In this post, we will discuss some of the accident factors that can cause a pelvic injury.

Factors that can cause a pelvic fracture

The pelvis is among the most crucial bone structures in the body. It protects the delicate organs of the lower body, and serves as the anchor for muscles of the thigh, hip and abdomen. When it comes to car crashes, the pelvis is also at a high risk of suffering an injury. Some of the accident factors that can cause a pelvic fracture include:

Seat belts:Seat belts are extremely important for safety, however, it can also cause severe pelvic injuries in event of a crash. Seatbelts keep you restrained in your seats, and prevent the force of the impact from throwing you forward. When this happens, the seat belt applies the same amount of force to the pelvic area. This can cause a fracture.

Shock absorption: When one car collides into another, the impact force travels through the entire vehicle. The horizontal axis of the car acts as a sort of shock absorber, allowing the force to spread across the entirety of the vehicle to lessen it's impact. Unfortunately, when sitting, your pelvis is at the exact height of most bumpers and, therefore, the exact height of where the force is trying to spread. This means that when you are in a collision, the majority of the force is going to hit at the exact level of your pelvis, causing a lot of impact damage.

Front impact collisions:Head on collisions can lead to serious injuries, however, they can be particularly severe when it comes to the pelvis. A large percentage of pelvic injuries are sustained when a heavy object is forced towards the victim in a frontal collision. Those seated in the front may suffer a pelvic injury due to dashboard hazards such as airbags, steering wheel, and the dashboard itself. Airbags are a lifesaver, however, when it deploys with a lot of force, some of it is absorbed by the pelvis. In event of a high impact crash, even the engine can get pushed in the cab, and crush the legs and pelvis. If the passenger has his/her feet on the dashboard at the time of crash, the chances of a pelvic injury become very high.

Getting legal help for pelvic fractures

Pelvic fractures cause excruciating pain, and often require prolonged and extensive treatment. The injury can even prove fatal depending on it's severity. The cost of treatment, combined with a long recovery period that can keep you from working for months can mean a huge financial burden. Ensure that your legal right to financial compensation is protected by speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer today. Call (314) 361-4242 today to schedule a free and private consultation with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.

10/07/2016

Much has been said about the dangers of distracted driving. In fact our law firm has dedicated many posts to the subject of distracted driving, in order to increase awareness among drivers. However, despite all efforts from the advocacy groups, a large number of people still engage in distracted driving. It is needless to mention that this is causing way too many accidents on American roads. Many states have laws against distracted driving, which specifically deal with the use of cell phones while driving. Despite this, at any hour of the day, there are about 660,000 drivers using their cell phones while driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Our St. Louis auto accident lawyers believe that this trend needs to change quickly, or else people will continue to suffer injuries and fatalities at the hands of distracted drivers.

Some states have laws in place that do not allow teen drivers to drive with any passenger that is not their guardian. However, a recent study shows there may be another side to this issue. It claims that it may actually be helpful to have passengers in the car with a driver. The study was conducted by AT&T recently. The study shows that distracted driving becomes less prevalent when there is a passenger in the car. Some of the key findings of the AT&T study were:

-Around 64% of the drivers surveyed were willing to check their cell phone while they were alone behind the wheel

-Only 36% of the drivers will check their cell phones when there is a passenger in the vehicle

-This number drops to just 30% when the passenger is a child

The AT&T study was conducted as a part of the “It Can Wait” campaign. This campaign is designed to increase awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

Some key statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), annually, as many as 420,000 people get injured in accidents causing by distracted drivers. Also, 1.5 million car accidents occur as a result of cell phone use. Nearly 25 percent of all car accidents involve texting and driving in some form. This shows that the problem of distracted driving is still serious despite all the measures and efforts.

Preventing distracted driving

A few simple steps can help drivers avoid distractions while behind the wheel. The drivers can take the following steps:

-Do not keep your cell phone within your reach when driving

-Do not check or reply to texts even if you are expecting an important message

-If you must answer a text message, you should pull over to a safe location before doing so.

-Understand that speaking to someone on a cell phone even using a hands-free device can be dangerous

Injured by a distracted driver?

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you should speak with an experienced St. Louis accident injury lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can evaluate your car accident case free of charge and help protect your right to compensation from the party at fault.